America’s Oldest Motorcycle Race Plugs In

The TTXGP electric motorcycle grand prix will line up on the grid at the 88th Loudon Classic at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 18. That brings to four the number of venues in the North American Championship, which kicks off May 14 at Infineon Raceway north of San Francisco.

The Loudon Challenge is the longest-running motorcycle race in the United States, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway has hosted the event since 1964. The 1.6-mile course includes 12 turns and several elevation changes.

“The 88th Loudon classic weekend will see the arrival of the next generation of technology and just as motorsport of the past has helped shape the way we get around today, we believe this is the beginning to shape how we get around tomorrow,” said TTXGP founder Azhar Hussain.

The announcement follows news that the TTXGP motorcycle racing series has been sanctioned by the FIM North America through the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). In other words, the big guys are bringing the little guys into the tent — here in the states, anyway.

“TTXGP is an innovative race series,” Joe Bromley, AMA director of racing, said in a statement. “We’re eager to work with the organizers and race teams that are leading the development of electric-powered competition motorcycles. The TTXGP North American Championship will showcase technology that will potentially play a significant role in the future of racing.”

Last year’s race series drew 30-odd teams to 12 races in six countries last year. This year’s calendar includes 14 races in North America, Australia and Europe.

Photo: Chuck Squatriglia/Wired.com. Zero Motorcycles in the pits at the TTXGP race at Infineon Raceway in 2010.